Christmas is both secular and religious. It is both cultural and sacred. Christmas is a religious (specifically Christian) holiday (“holy day”) honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a public (secular) holiday in most nations around the globe and celebrated by billions of people (many of whom are not Christians). For over two millennia since the birth of Jesus, Christmas has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and customs. Well-meaning Christians suggest that we remember the “reason for the season,” but for a vast majority of people, the Christian “reason for the season” has never been a part of their celebration of the holiday.
We do not know the month and date of Jesus’ birth. But we do know that by the middle of the fourth century, the Roman Church placed Christmas on December 25th. That was the date of the winter solstice (the shortest and darkest day of the year). Some say the date was chosen in order to compete with a pagan celebration of ancient Rome. Who knows? Whatever the case, Christmas has become both a secular and religious holiday, celebrated with equal fervor by all. In a sense, or so it seems to me, Christmas represents democracy—a common ground for all people in spite of their diverse views, different traditions, customs, etc., concerning Christmas.
Would Christians deny the right to celebrate Christmas to those who are not Christian? I sure hope not! Would a Christian outlaw the use of mistletoe (a tradition from the times of the Druids)” How about the use of evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands? These were customs of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among pagan Europeans. Shall we reject the Christmas tree? I’m for Christmas Democracy.
Would we deny the right of others who differ from us, racially, culturally, religiously, etc., to celebrate with us the American democracy?
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| The variegated Yucca lies beneath the first snow. |
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